The Early Childhood Education program provides students with the skills necessary to work with children in a variety of professional early childhood programs. It is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for entry level and career advancement in the field of early childhood education. Hands-on experience is gained through assignments, observation, and participation in the Pumpkin Patch Laboratory Preschool and the HOPE Infant/Toddler Program located on the campus. National and State regulations and standards are increasing the demand for educated, trained, and experienced early childhood professionals to work in private or public facilities serving children. Job opportunities exist as child care providers, family child care home operators, pre-school teachers and assistants, and nannies. This program is a total of 600 hours. Students completing the entire program and meeting all State of FL requirements will receive an Early Childhood Professional Certificate from the FL Dept. of Education (ECPC). Students who receive an ECPC may articulate to any FL State College (formerly community colleges) equal to 9 credit hours. Edison College accepts this course as 12 credit hours.
The OCP’s that you can earn in this program are:
A. Child Care Worker 1
B. Child Care Worker 2
C. Teacher Aide (preschool)
D. Preschool Teacher – For this OCP participants must be 18 years of age, have a standard high school diploma or GED, and pass the competency exam for 45 hours of Child Care Worker (OCP A) to earn the ECPC certificate.
